Rear Knuckle: Service and Repair

33 32 131 - Removing and installing / replacing a steering knuckle / wheel carrier

Remove rear wheel Removing or Installing Front or Rear Wheel.

Important!
Expand turning lock sufficiently to avoid damaging thread when releasing collar nut.

Release collar nut, activate handbrake for this purpose.

Installation Note:
Replace collar nut, oil collar nut/wheel bearing contact surface lightly and tighten down.
No oil permitted on thread of shaft journal or collar nut.
Tightening torque 33 41 3AZ [1][2]Mechanical Specifications.
Secure collar nut by positive peening on flat areas of output shaft.

Remove rear brake disk Removing and Installing/Replacing Both Rear Brake Discs.
Disconnect handbrake Bowden cable from expander lock Service and Repair.
Replacement only: Drive out drive flange for rear axle shaft Service and Repair
Remove pulse generator Replacing a Rear Pulse Generator.
Remove stabilizer link from stabilizer Replacing Stabilizer Links for Stabilizer.
Remove spring strut shock absorber from wheel carrier Removing and Installing Rear Left or Right Spring Strut Shock Absorber.
Remove integral link Removing and Installing/Replacing Left or Right Push Rod/Integral Link.

Important!
Risk of damage!
Do not drive output shaft out of drive flange with an impact tool.

Press output shaft out of drive flange Pressing Output Shaft Out of Drive Flange and Drawing in (Output Shaft Removed From Rear Differential).
Remove guide arm from wheel carrier Replacing a Guide Arm.
Remove upper control arm from wheel carrier Replacing One Upper Control Arm and remove wheel carrier.

Important!
- Check sensor head and line from pulse generator prior to installation for external damage, replacing if necessary.

Replacement:
- Modify rear wheel brake Removing and Installing / Replacing a Brake Carrier / Brake Guard at Rear

- Install new wheel bearing Rear Axle

- Modify drive flange Service and Repair

After installation:
- Adjust handbrake Adjustments

- Perform chassis alignment check